How To Fix WE231 - EAN & does not exist as an additional EAN

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WE - Messages for EAN Customizing and for EAN management in MM_BD

• Message number: 231

• Message text: EAN & does not exist as an additional EAN

What causes this issue?

The additional EAN (International Article Number) you want to delete or
change is not assigned to the specified material in the specified unit
of measure as an additional EAN.

System Response

The system cannot find the EAN and therefore cannot carry out the
change.

How to fix this error?

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WE231 - EAN & does not exist as an additional EAN ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation regarding the SAP error message WE231: "EAN & does not exist as an additional EAN":
  
  Error Message
  WE231: EAN & does not exist as an additional EAN
  
  Message Class: WE2
  Message Number: 231
  
  
  Cause
  This error occurs during the processing of IDoc messages (typically related to material master or delivery processing) when the system tries to validate an EAN (European Article Number, also known as GTIN) that is expected to be present as an additional EAN for a material, but it is not found in the material master data.
  In other words, the EAN number received in the IDoc or input document is not maintained in the material master as an additional EAN (alternative barcode). The system expects this EAN to be linked to the material but cannot find it.
  
  When does it occur?
  
  During inbound IDoc processing (e.g., MATMAS, DELVRY, or other logistics-related IDocs).
  When the EAN number is used in the document but is not maintained in the material master.
  When the system checks for the EAN in the Additional EANs (not the base EAN) and fails to find it.
  
  
  Related Information
  
  Material Master Data: EANs are maintained in the material master under the Additional Data tab or via transaction MM02 ? Sales: General/Plant or Purchasing views depending on configuration.
  EAN/UPC Codes: SAP supports multiple EANs per material, including a base EAN and additional EANs.
  IDoc Segments: The EAN is often passed in segments like E1MARAM, E1MARAMA, or E1EDL24 depending on the IDoc type.
  Configuration: The system checks the EAN against the material master data during inbound processing.
  
  
  Solution
  
  
  Check the EAN in the Material Master:
  
  Use transaction MM03 to display the material.
  Navigate to the Additional Data tab or the relevant view where additional EANs are maintained.
  Verify if the EAN number mentioned in the error exists as an additional EAN for the material.
  
  
  
  Maintain the Missing EAN:
  
  If the EAN is missing, add it as an additional EAN for the material using MM02.
  Save the changes.
  
  
  
  Reprocess the IDoc:
  
  After maintaining the EAN, reprocess the IDoc or the inbound document.
  The error should no longer occur.
  
  
  
  Check for Correct Material Number:
  
  Sometimes the EAN is correct but linked to a different material.
  Verify that the material number in the IDoc matches the material for which the EAN is maintained.
  
  
  
  If EAN is not required:
  
  If the EAN is not relevant or should not be checked, review the IDoc processing logic or partner agreements to avoid sending or validating this EAN.
  
  
  
  
  Additional Notes
  
  Transaction to maintain EANs: You can also maintain EANs via transaction MM02 ? Sales: General/Plant or Purchasing views, or via EAN maintenance transactions like XK02 (for vendor EANs).
  Customizing: In some cases, the validation of EANs can be controlled via user exits or BAdIs in the IDoc processing.
  Debugging: If unsure, debug the inbound processing function module (e.g., IDOC_INPUT_MATMAS or similar) to see where the validation fails.
  
  
  Summary
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Error
  WE231: EAN & does not exist as an additional EAN
  
  
  Cause
  EAN number in IDoc not found as additional EAN in material master
  
  
  Solution
  Maintain the missing EAN in material master (MM02) and reprocess IDoc
  
  
  Related Info
  EANs maintained in material master, IDoc inbound processing
  
  
  
  
  If you need help with specific transactions or IDoc types, please provide more details!